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In many parts of the world, people now rely on the Internet, smart phones and Twitter in their daily affairs. In rural Ethiopia, the same can be said for donkeys, horses and mules. A new study looks at the animals’ contributions to people’s livelihoods.

The study describes equines as a “lifeline” for both rural and urban people of Ethiopia. The Brooke, an international animal welfare organization, focused on the woredas, or small districts, of Lemmo, Meskan and Shashego, located in Southern Nations, and the Nationalities People’s Region.

Doing the hard work

“There are almost eight million horses and donkeys in Ethiopia. They contribute to the economic development through the transportation system in the rural areas. Their contribution is huge, especially in areas where there’s no road and very difficult to transport things to market,” said Co-author Berhanu Admassu is a senior researcher for Tufts University and veterinary association president in Ethiopia.

Besides the expected uses of riding and pack services, some rent their animals to the poor. Berhanu says both parties benefit.

“They are also being used around the urban and peri-urban areas as a taxi. We call it ‘gharry’ in the Ethiopian language, but they are used as a taxi,” he said.

Other roles

What’s more, they’re used in festivals, entertainment and asceremonial decoration during funeral services. Berhanu also says donkeys have made life a bit easier for rural women.

“Women were supposed to fetch water on their back, but now these donkeys are working for women. They are carrying items to market and from market to home. And even in farms, these donkeys are carrying farm utilities and facilities where the women were supposed to carry this,” Berhanu said.

The animals are an integral part of people’s lives, not just their jobs.

“Apart from the economic benefit, the social benefit in the area is tremendous,” he said.

The cover of the report features a young boy hugging his small donkey.

A boy and his donkey in rural Ethiopia. Children often use donkeys to travel to school

“That boy usually goes to school. And if this donkey is not working, the boy most probably might not go to school if that donkey is not existing or whatever or sick. So the livelihood of that very small boy is really directly linked with that very small donkey. That is just to show how his future is linked with that donkey,” he said.

Donkeys, horses and mules are also part of the rural health care system.

Berhanu said, “That is the wonderful thing we found, you know, people are carried by these equine to be transported to hospitals. And we have also seen some animals were transported when they get sick to the veterinary clinics. And these are really wonderful activities we observed.”

In rural Ethiopia, it costs about $70 to buy a donkey, around $100 for a horse and $130 for a mule. Feeding an animal can range from $40 to $100 per year. The Brooke report says the net return for animals used for income generation, such as renting, pack use or taxis, was more than $580 annually.

Keeping Equine healthy is a necessity

The study says donkeys, mules and horses “play a central role” in the livelihoods of people. It recommends that donors help provide improved management and feeding practices and the delivery of accessible, sustainable and affordable equine health services.

Berhanu co-wrote the report with Yoseph Shiferaw. He says the international community should become more aware of the role these animals play.

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